Alex Chilton: Why Should I Care?

This feature-length documentary explores the remarkable story of Alex Chilton, whose instant fame with a #1 hit record at age 16 was followed by a long and winding journey through works of neglected genius, darkness and obscurity before he was gradually discovered and rediscovered by fans, fellow musicians and critics. As the influence of his music continued to grow, he became a reluctant cult figure while staying true to his own eclectic and unpredictable muses. His is the story of a true artist – one whose life and career plainly present us with the question: what is the difference between fame and success?

Chillton was at the center of several movements in music but refused to be confined by any one of them. As lead singer of The Box Tops he began as one the pop stars of Blue-Eyed Soul. He joined and came to lead Big Star, now remembered as one of the most creative & influential forces in Power Pop. He went to New York City, reinvented himself as a beloved figure in Punk Rock and produced the first recordings by The Cramps. He quit the music business for a few years before re-emerging with his own power trio and becoming a hero of college radio and perhaps the original “indie”.

All of these chapters and more are reflected in the film using a deep trove of archival material, much of it previously unseen or heard. Alex is heard to narrate his own film through the use of numerous recorded interviews. The story is also told by many of his musical collaborators; the filmmaker’s rule was not to use journalists or experts. Only those who witnessed Chilton’s creative process first hand were interviewed.

Filmmaker David Julian Leonard knew Alex Chilton for many years, beginning in their shared hometown of Memphis when Leonard was 18 and Chilton was 30. The film has the full cooperation of the Chilton Estate. Leonard kept the production small and independent for as long as possible in keeping with how he knew Alex himself would prefer it. Production and editing are now essentially complete but the biggest part of the budget still needs to be raised – the cost of music licensing.

Donors of $100 or more will receive thanks in the film credits

Donors of $5,000 or more receive Co-Producer credit

Donors of $10,000 or more receive Executive Producer credit

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